SEMA-supported legislation to provide for an expanded-use antique-vehicle registration class that would allow antique vehicles and replicas to be driven without limitation during the warmer part of the year (April 1 through October 31) was approved unanimously by the full Illinois Senate. The bill already has been passed by the full Illinois House of Representatives and will now be sent to the governor for his signature and enactment into law.

A SEMA-supported bill to provide for an expanded-use antique vehicle registration class that would allow antique vehicles and replicas to be driven without limitation during the warmer part of the year (April 1 through October 31) has been approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. The bill already passed the full Illinois House of Representatives.

Legislation that originally sought to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “collector vehicles” was signed into law by Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire. Under the new law, vehicles seeking registration as collector vehicles and the one-time registration fee would still only be required to be at least 30 years old; not 40 years old as the original bill required.

Legislation that threatened to prohibit the modification of any motor vehicle that altered the manufacturer's original suspension, steering or brake system unless the state highway patrol issued an inspection certificate was amended to remove those restrictions and signed into law by Governor Jack Dalrymple.

SEMA-model legislation that would create a vehicle-registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was approved by the full Texas House of Representatives. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948.

SEMA has called upon the U.S. Congress to prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from moving forward with its program to allow the ethanol content in gasoline to increase from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15). SEMA worked with lawmakers and senior staff to help secure House approval of an EPA restriction as part of a 2011 federal government funding measure.

 

Legislation to allow municipalities to issue permits for sanctioned motor-vehicle racing events on public streets and highways within its geographical jurisdiction has been signed into law by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin.

Legislation to extend the emissions inspection waiver for new vehicles has been approved by the Nevada Senate Natural Resources Committee. Under the bill, new cars will be exempt for the first three years after their initial registration. The bill also changes the state’s emissions inspection program so that vehicles will only be required to undergo testing every two years.

Legislation to provide for an expanded-use antique vehicle registration class that would allow antique vehicles and replicas to be driven without limitation during the warmer part of the year (April 1 through October 31) has been approved by the full Illinois House of Representatives. Under the bill, expanded-use antiques are limited to traveling to and from car shows, exhibitions, servicing or demonstration during the colder months (November 1 through March 31).

SEMA-supported legislation to exempt vehicles more than 25 years old from the state’s annual emissions inspection and maintenance program was signed into law by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. To qualify for the exemption, these vehicles must be registered as “antique motor vehicles.” Antique vehicles are defined as more than 25 years old with a non-modified engine and body that is used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar uses as a collector's item; on the highways for the purpose of selling, testing the operation of or obtaining repairs or maintenance; and for general transportation on Saturday and Sunday.